In addition to domestic animals and nuisance wildlife the Community Services Unit may be called to assist with injured or orphaned wildlife. If you should come across an injured animal do not attempt to move the animal unless it is unsafe for the animal to remain where it is. Protect the animal from contact with other wildlife or domestic animals if possible. Contact the the Schuylkill Valley rehab center at (215) 482-8217 or the Pennsylvania Game Commission at (610) 926-3136

Behaving strangelyOne common 'strange' behavior is for a normally nocturnal animal to be out in daylight. This is not necessarily unusual and does not always signal that the animal is sick or diseased. If the animal looks otherwise normal and seems to be purposefully going about its business, it is probably ok and should ideally be left alone to continue its activities. Nocturnal means the period of greatest activity, not exclusive activity. The animal may have been awakened earlier than usual by loud noises in the area such as barking dogs or a construction site. On a hot, sunny day, it may have been awakened by an excessively hot den. It may also be a mother working overtime to feed herself and her growing young. Be sure that domestic pets are fed indoors and garbage is tightly sealed to ensure wild animals will keep a safe distance from your house. If, on the other hand, the animal seems dazed, confused, glassy-eyed, stumbling, overly aggressive or overly friendly, there is a problem. Keep pets and children in the house and contact the Community Services Unit immediately

BirdsIf the animal is a baby bird and it appears to have fallen from its nest, it may be a fledgling and is learning to fly. If it is near the street move it to a safe location, under a bush is best. Watch the animal for the next few hours if it doesn’t move or the parents don’t come looking for it contact the Schuylkill Valley Wildlife rehab center at (215) 482-8217

If it appears to be an injured bird place the bird in a box and keep it in a quiet area for a couple of hours, after keeping it quiet take the box to an area away from traffic and attempt to let it go if it doesn’t fly away contact the Schuylkill Valley wildlife rehab clinic at (215)482-8217

MammalsCall the Schuylkill Valley rehab center (215) 482-8217 for specific instructions on how to handle the animal's particular circumstances. Do not attempt to approach or handle an injured animal until you have spoken with a wildlife rehabilitator. Remember that adult animals in particular will see you as a threat even if you mean to help, and can be very aggressive when they feel threatened. Animals such as raccoons, bats, groundhogs and foxes are also all potential carriers of rabies, so caution is critical. Once a wildlife rehabilitator gives you the go-ahead to catch and transport an injured animal, be sure to avoid direct contact with the animal by wearing thick gloves and never try to feed or water the animal unless you have been specifically told to do so.